Trust levels weren’t very much different in Bible times. On one occasion, Jesus was so impressed by a man’s absolute faith in his ability to heal that he was ‘amazed’ and commented: ‘I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!’ (Matthew 8:10 New Living Translation).
The man’s faith was surprising because he was a Gentile, someone who did not belong to the Jewish community. As a captain of the Roman Army, he was also of some considerable importance, responsible for the discipline and training of up to 100 soldiers who were part of the occupying military force.
He was concerned about his young servant’s illness and asked Jesus to heal him. Then he demonstrated the strength of his faith in Jesus: ‘Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed’ (5:8).
The centurion recognised in Jesus a greater authority than his own. And Jesus rewarded his faith: ‘Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened!’ (5:13).
The Bible describes faith as ‘the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen’ (Hebrews 11:1). The centurion clearly had a lot of faith, but some of us find it harder to come to that point of absolute trust.
Having faith in someone comes through personal knowledge and experience. Even then, we are often disappointed in the actions or reactions of family and friends who let us down when we need their support most.
Putting our faith and trust in Almighty God is the only sure antidote for uncertain and unsettling times in a topsy-turvy world or mundane life. He alone remains reliable and unchanging. Whatever our need, he will never let us down.
UK & Ireland War Cry April 2013
Photo credit: War Cry pictures
